Looking at next year through this year’s dirty lenses?

Carrying regrets from 2014 while expecting better days in 2015, is like cleaning your lenses with a dirty rag.

Focusing on what’s wrong, like the tiny bank account and the fat waistline, the people you don’t like at work and the neighbors who won’t go away, the fact that you are not being recognized, or not being loved, smears the view to your bright future.

Fortunately, there is still time to do this the right way.

Before the lights go out on 2014, go into the bathroom and close the door behind you. Look in the mirror and say to yourself, “You accomplished so much this year. Thank you for working so hard and loving so well. You are strong and beautiful. I value and love you.”

Please don’t end the year thinking about what did not get done. Look instead at what you achieved. We both know it is in there. All the times you forgave them. All the times you served them. All the times you cared for yourself. All the times you had an idea and made something with it. All the times you stretched, and pushed, and laid down to rest. These and more can be counted as blessings. Celebrate them and thank yourself for being the person you are.